TC entered the game two spots out the men’s poll, and fresh off a 13-point win at No. 20 Southwestern Assemblies of God earlier in the week. The new rankings come out Monday, the day the conference-leading Steers play host to No. 11 Texas Wesleyan.

“We’re just going about it business-as-usual and let it handle itself,” Steers coach Marquet Norfleet said regarding the rankings. “We’re just trying to adapt to underdog mentality. We’re going to play hard if we’re No. 1 or 100. That’s our main objective.”

The Steers started their game red-hot with the first 13 points. Jones raced from behind for a blocked shot, and Jamal Robertson canned a trey on the other end to complete the spurt.

“We preached all day about trying to make this a complete game,” Norfleet said. “We have a big one with Texas Wesleyan coming to Tyler Monday. We wanted to play well in all aspects, set a tone and let everyone know.”

TC carried the same 13-point lead into the break, an advantage trimmed to one (52-51) on a putback by Jonathan Williams with 15:14 remaining. The Steers scored the next eight points to regain control after a long jumper from Michael Fisher, a fastbreak bucket by Robertson, a strong inside move from Eddren McCain, and a finish at the rim by Jones.

The Steers stretched their lead to 17 points after holding the New Mexico team scoreless for 4:39, using Robertson’s trey, a Maye layup in transition, and two makes inside by Jhirmetrius Cochran for a 78-61 cushion.

“We allowed them to get back in game, and then we were right back up,” said Norfleet, whose team forced 28 turnovers. “It’s not our scoring that’s going to win, it’s our defensive effort. When we play defense we’re a good team.”